DETECTIVES in Burnley were today due to quiz a man in connection with a savage attack on a popular community beat bobby.

Police said a 20-year-old local man was arrested yesterday following an investigation into the beating of PC Nic Fisher, who covers the Stoneyholme and Daneshouse ward.

PC Fisher was assaulted from behind by a group of at least three men as he attempted to make an arrest close to Merton Street Post Office in Stoneyholme at 9.35am on Monday.

Although he bravely tried to chase after one of the suspects, PC Fisher collapsed unconscious after running a few yards.

He was treated at Burnley General Hospital for his injuries, which included cuts and bruises, and is now recovering at home following the ordeal.

PC Fisher is expected to be back at work in about a week.

The attack occurred just hours after police carried out a series of dawn raids on a number of addresses across the district during which seven youths were arrested.

The swoop was the result of complaints in the area about troublemakers and several residents have made statements about offenders making their lives a misery.

Community leaders and members of the public who value PC Fisher's role as a community beat officer immediately condemned the attack and vowed to do everything they could to bring the offenders to justice.

Muhammed Sher Ali Miah of the Bangladeshi Welfare Association, and Daneshouse and Stoneyholme councillor Rafique Malik, who is a former Mayor of Burnley, both pledged their support to the police bid to catch the attackers.

Inspector Dave Croll, of Burnley Police said: "We have arrested a 20-year-old local man who is currently in custody and will be questioned by detectives in connection with the assault on PC Fisher. Nic is recovering well and we all look forward to seeing him back at work."

Police are continuing to investigate and anyone with any information can contact 01282 425001.